The economy comprises millions of people and thousands of firms as well as the government and local authorities, all taking decisions about prices and wages, what to buy, sell, produce, export, import and many other matters. All these organizations and the decisions they take play a prominent part in shaping the business environment in which firms exist and operate.
The economy is complicated and difficult to control and predict, but it is certainly important to all businesses. You should be aware that there are times when businesses and individuals have plenty of funds to spend and there are times when they have to cut back on their spending. This can have enormous implications for business as a whole.
When the economy is enjoying a boom, firms experience high sales and general prosperity. At such times, unemployment is low and many firms will be investing funds to enable them to produce more. They do this because consumers have plenty of money to spend and firms expect high sales. It naturally follows that the state of the economy is a major factor in the success of firms.
However, during periods when people have less to spend many firms face hard times as their sales fall. Thus, the economic environment alters as the economy moves into a recession. At that time, total spending declines as income falls and unemployment rises. Consumers will purchase cheaper items and cut expenditure on luxury items such as televisions and cars.
Changes in the state of the economy affect all types of business, though the extent to which they are effected varies. In the recession of the early 1990s the high street banks suffered badly. Profits declined and, in some cases, losses were incurred. This was because fewer people borrowed money from banks, thus denying them the opportunity to earn interest on loans, and a rising propotion of those who did borrow defaulted on repayment. These so called "bad debts" cut profit margins substantially. Various forecasters reckoned that the National Westminster Bank's losses in the case of Robert Maxwell's collapsing business empire amounted to over $100 million.
No individual firm has the ability to control this aspect of its environment. Rather, it is the outcome of the actions of all the groups which make up society as well as being infuenced by the actions of foreigners with whom the nation has dealings.
1.What does the economy comprise?
2.What part do all these organizations take in shaping the business environment?
2. Раскройте скобки, поставив глагол в соответствии с правилом согласования времен, и переведите предложения на русский язык.
1. They informed that some businessmen from their company (to go) to Moscow the next week. 2. He said that he (can) give us a discount of 5 % if we (to increase) the order. 3. She said she (to put) already the application in writing. 4. They asked if we (to enclose) the copy of the receipt. 5. They notified us they (to deliver) the goods the week before. 6. Mr. Bright wondered if we (to discuss) the matter the previous month. 7. Mrs. Jackson said she (not to agree) with the contract terms. 8. The representative of the Buyers asked what discount we (to offer). 9. He was interested to know when we (to sign) the contract. 10. He said that all the details (to be clarified) during the talks.
3. Перепишите следующие предложения, употребляя сложное дополнение вместо придаточного дополнительного предложения. Переведите предложения на русский язык.
1. We expected that our partners would be satisfied with the quality of our products. 2. The Seller guarantees that all the charges connected with the delivery will be paid by them. 3. I believe that the price is reasonable. 4. He didn’t expect that they would lodge a claim. 5. He believed that they would fulfill all the contract terms. 6. He believed that the goods would be shipped timely. 7. The Seller expected that they would pay the Buyer a penalty. 8. We think that your machinery meets our requirements. 9. We thought that they would pay compensation to the Seller for the eventual losses.10. They decided that they would undertake partial delivery.
4. Поставьте глагол в соответствующее время, форму и залог. Переведите предложения на русский язык.
1. I (to call) to confirm the appointment time now. 2. Your machines (not/to meet) our requirements. 3. We just (to start) selling machines of new model. 4. You (to receive) a letter of offer yet? 5. What goods you (to sell) now? 6. The company (to be interested) in selling or buying goods? 7. You (to study) the latest catalogues yesterday? 8. Our equipment (to be) of high quality. 9. They (to give) us a discount if we (to increase) the order. 10. I (to have) an appointment with Mr. Johnson yesterday.
CONTROL WORK 4
Variant 2
1. Прочитайте и переведите текст на русский язык. Ответьте на вопросы после текста